Portable system for institutional telephone service provision

ABSTRACT

One exemplary embodiment provides a device comprising: a connection panel configured to accept a removable connection to a telephone of a controlled access residential institution; a network router connected to the connection panel and configured to connect to a remote network; and an access and security module connected to the network router and configured to control access by the telephone to telephone services provided by accessing a remote call processing center via the remote network. The connection panel, the network router, and access and security module can be at least partially enclosed within a portable enclosure. The device may further comprise a power distribution unit within the enclosure and connected to provide power to the network router and to the access and security module.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/583,419 filed on Jan. 5, 2012 and entitled “Portable System forInstitutional Telephone Service Provision,” which is incorporated hereinin its entirety by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the provision of telephone services tothe residents of a controlled access residential institution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the context of the operation of telecommunication systems which serveresidential institutions such as a correctional confinement facility,service providers have traditionally implemented solutions whichincorporate various components of a wide array of hardware devices. Mostcommonly, these hardware components are located in one or moredesignated “equipment rooms” or “wiring closets” at the residentialinstitution. Typically, the installation of a telecommunication systemat the institutional site is a laborious and time-consuming process,involving the installation of semi-permanent equipment, such asfloor-mounted racks, and multiple additional hardware components whichmust be physically installed and wired appropriately. In addition,physical interfaces are required with a network service provider inorder to establish the outbound connections to the network from thetelecommunication system. In some embodiments, this may take the form ofstandard telephone lines, while in others it may take the form of T-1,DSL, cable, or other broadband connections. These network interfacesrequire not only a physical location, but also require coordination andproper timing of the installation with the network service provider,frequently including a waiting period of two to six weeks before thephysical installation is available.

In one common example of the limitations imposed by the prior art, whena residential institution elects to change from a first telephoneservice provider to a second telephone service provider, said secondtelephone service provider is forced to coordinate closely the logisticsof replacing said first telephone service provider, due to physicalequipment location requirements, wiring concerns and network interfaceconcerns. Frequently this coordination is hampered either by lack ofcooperation on behalf of said first telephone service provider, byinadequate communications between all affected parties, or by schedulingissues which arise with the network service provider in establishing atraditional, “hard-wired” network interface. These conflicts oftenresult in a delay of the transition or in a period of time during whichtelephone services are unavailable to the institution, either of whichcauses a loss of revenue for said second telephone service provider.Similarly, in the case of a first-time installation of telephoneservices for a residential institution—such as would be for newlyconstructed facilities—delays are frequently encountered withestablishing the traditional “hard-wired” network interface. Theselimitations impair the telephone service provider's ability to actquickly and perform expeditious installations, causing delays andultimately the loss of revenue.

In another common example of the limitations imposed by the prior art,difficulties are frequently encountered when a telephone serviceprovider wishes to replace or exchange the currently installed telephoneservice equipment, either due to inoperability of the currentlyinstalled equipment or due to the desire to increase functionality,efficiency or features. Additional labor costs are incurred by thetelephone service provider and lapses in service frequently result.

In yet another common example of the limitations imposed by the priorart, due to the complex and “hard-wired” nature of traditional systems,telephone service providers are unable to easily demonstrate forpotential customers a true and accurate example of a working system.Telephone service provider sales teams are frequently left to rely onprinted materials, recorded video demonstrations, and other methodswhich attempt to demonstrate the product, but none of which is theactual product. Telephone service provider sales teams also frequentlyoffer to the potential customer a “field trip” to visit analready-installed system at an existing location. This alternative,however, creates inconvenience and cost for the potential customer andis limited in its effectiveness as a sales tool.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a common embodiment of the prior art.Illustrated are an Equipment Room 100 and Resident Telephone Handsets160, which are located external to Equipment Room 100 and provide adevice with which telephone services may be accessed by residents of theinstitution. Resident Telephone Handsets 160 are connected by wire toPunchdown Block 130, which is then in turn connected by cable toAutomated Call Processor 120. Automated Call Processor 120 performs callsetup and switching operations between residents and the public switchedtelephone network (PSTN) and is powered by cables connected to PowerDistribution Unit 110. Automated Call Processor 120 is additionallyconnected by cable to Punchdown Block 140, which is then in turnconnected by cable to Wired PSTN Network Interface 150.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating yet another common embodiment of theprior art. Illustrated are an Equipment Room 200 and Resident TelephoneHandsets 260, which are located external to Equipment Room 200 andprovide a device with which telephone services may be accessed byresidents of the institution. Resident Telephone Handsets 260 areconnected by wire to Punchdown Block 230, which is then in turnconnected to VoIP Gateway 270. VoIP Gateway 270 sends and receivesanalog audio signals to and from Resident Telephone Handsets 260, andsends and receives digital audio signals to and from Automated CallProcessor 220, performing analog-to-digital and digital-to-analogconversions as required. Automated Call Processor 220 is connected bydata cable to VoIP Gateway 270, Network Firewall 290, Recording Server240, and to Resident Information Database Server 250. Automated CallProcessor 220 performs call setup functions facilitated by connectionsto Resident Information Database Server 250. Further, Automated CallProcessor 220 performs switching operations between Resident TelephoneHandsets 260 and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 295,facilitated by connections to Network Firewall 290, Network Router 280,Wired Broadband Network Interface 295, and Wide Area Packet Network 275.Still further, Automated Call Processor 240 performs audio recordingfunctions facilitated by connection to Recording Server 240. PowerDistribution Unit 210 connects by cable, and provides electrical power,to VoIP Gateway 270, Network Router 280, Network Firewall 290, AutomatedCall Processor 220, Recording Server 240, and Resident InformationDatabase Server 250.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One exemplary embodiment provides a device comprising: a connectionpanel configured to accept a removable connection to a telephone of acontrolled access residential institution; a network router connected tothe connection panel and configured to connect to a remote network; andan access and security module connected to the network router andconfigured to control access by the telephone to telephone servicesprovided by accessing a remote call processing center via the remotenetwork. The connection panel, the network router, and access andsecurity module can be at least partially enclosed within a portableenclosure. The device may further comprise a power distribution unitwithin the enclosure and connected to provide power to the networkrouter and to the access and security module.

Another exemplary embodiment provides a method that involvespreconfiguring a portable device at a location remote from a controlledaccess residential institution. The preconfigured portable device maycomprise a connection module configured to connect to an electroniccommunication device via a wireless or wired connection. Thepreconfigured portable device may comprise a network router prewired tothe connection module and configured to connect to a remote network. Thepreconfigured portable device may comprise an access and security moduleprewired to the network router and configured to control access by theelectronic communication device to services provided by accessing aremote call processing center via the remote network. The exemplarymethod involves installing the portable device at the controlled accessresidential institution to allow the electronic communication device atthe controlled access residential institution to access the servicesprovided by accessing the remote call processing center via the remotenetwork. The exemplary method may further involve, while the portabledevice is providing access, installing a non-portable device and thenremoving the portable device from the controlled access residentialinstitution.

These exemplary embodiments are provided to introduce the subject matterof the inventive concepts described herein and should not be consideredas limiting the scope of the subject matter of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of illustrative embodiments of the presentinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reference tothe following detailed description and the accompanying drawing figures.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a prior art equipment room,non-portable system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another common embodiment of a priorart system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a portable enclosure according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a portable system.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a portable systemwhile a non-portable system is being installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and thatdifferent embodiments are possible. The figures are not necessarily toscale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detailsof particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentdisclosure.

Systems and methods are provided to overcome the limitations of theprior art. In accordance with one aspect of illustrative embodiments ofthe present invention, a centralized, off-site call processing system isutilized to perform various functions of telephone services, includingbut not limited to, call setup, switching, recording, monitoring andbilling, along with all other functions commonly associated withproviding residential institution telephone services. Connectivity tothe off-site call processing system may be achieved through the use ofwireless data communications rather than via traditional physicalinterfaces, such as copper or fiber optic cable-based interfaces,thereby eliminating requirements for a coordinated physical installationof cable-based network interfaces. Wireless data communicationconnections to the off-site call processing system are accomplishedusing any of a number of available protocols and interfaces, including,but not limited to, packet-based wireless broadband data networks, suchas the well-known 3G and 4G standards utilized by major wirelesscommunications carriers.

In accordance with another aspect of illustrative embodiments of thecurrent invention, a system is provided which advantageouslyincorporates on-site hardware components into a compact single,pre-wired, portable enclosure. These elements may include, but are notlimited to, a power distribution unit, a connection panel for cablemanagement, a network access and security module such as a firewall, anetwork router, and/or a VoIP gateway. The incorporation of theseelements into a single unit, in combination with the utilization of awireless network interface, removes significant limitations regardingdifficulty, simplicity and time required to perform installation orreplacement of the institutional telephone system. In addition, owing tothe ease of installation and lack of a physical network interfacerequirement that is afforded by the system, telephone service providersare able to install or demonstrate a live example of an actual productto potential customers with a minimum of effort.

One exemplary device includes a connection panel, a network router, andan access and security module at least partially enclosed within aportable enclosure. The portable enclosure may comprises wheels forrolling the enclosure on underlying floor surfaces. The enclosure sizecan vary depending on intended application and components included. Forexample, a portable enclosure could enclose an area from less than 1 ft³to 200 ft³, or even larger. In one example, the portable enclosure mayenclose the connection panel, the network router, and access andsecurity module within a space of equal to or less than 24 cubic feet,for example, by providing a rectangular container with the followingdimensions in inches: 23 (L)×23 (W)×19 (H). This would allow enoughspace to hook up 24 telephone handsets. In another example, an enclosureconfigured to hold three Voice of IP (VoIP) gateways in addition toother appropriate equipment could have the following dimensions ininches: 23(L)×23(W)×24(H). Such a configuration could allow hooking up72 telephone handsets. The particular configuration and size of theenclosure can be configured to suit the particular application(s) forwhich the device is designed.

The term “portable” is used herein to refer to any device that iscapable of being relocated as a single unit. Devices of any size can beportable.

The connection panel may be configured to accept a removable connectionto one or more telephones of a controlled access residentialinstitution.

The network router may be connected to the connection panel andconfigured to connect to a remote network. The network router may beconfigured to connect wirelessly to the remote network, configured toconnect to the remote network via a wired connection available at thecontrolled access residential institution, or may be configured to bothconnect wirelessly to the remote network and configured to connect tothe remote network via a wired connection available at the controlledaccess residential institution.

The access and security module may be connected to the network routerand configured to control access by the telephone to telephone servicesprovided by accessing a remote call processing center via the remotenetwork. The telephone services may involve connecting and/or monitoringa call between the telephone at the controlled access residentialinstitution and a telephone at a remote location. The telephone servicesmay involve authenticating a called party before or during a callbetween the telephone at the controlled access residential institutionand a telephone at a remote location.

The device may further include a power distribution unit within theenclosure and connected to provide power to the network router and tothe access and security module. The power distribution unit may comprisea power cord for connecting to and receiving power from a power outletat the controlled access residential institution.

The device may further include a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)gateway for converting analog signals received from the telephone of thecontrolled access residential institution.

The device may further comprise a wireless local area network componentfor wirelessly connecting to a wireless communication device at thecontrolled access residential institution to allow the wirelesscommunication device to access resources on the network subject tocontrol by the remote call processing center.

In accordance with yet another aspect of illustrative embodiments,interfaces are provided which facilitate connectivity to a traditionalphysical network interface via Category 5 based Ethernet connections. Inthis embodiment, the physical network interface may be utilized aseither the primary or as the secondary network connection in aconfiguration which provides for redundant network connections featuringoptional automated failover from the primary network interface to thesecondary network interface in the event of a failure within the primarynetwork interface. In addition, the physical Ethernet-based networkconnection may be utilized in a singular fashion in embodiments which donot feature redundant network connections.

In accordance with yet another aspect of illustrative embodiments,systems and methods are provided which enable the incorporation of localwireless devices into the telecommunications system in order to expandfunctionality and features beyond what have traditionally been availablethrough the use of basic analog telephone handsets. Such wirelessdevices may include, but are not limited to, tablet computers, so-called“smart” cellular telephones, laptop computers, and portable musicplayers. Incorporation of these devices into the telecommunicationssystem may be facilitated by the use of an included local-area wirelesscommunication hardware component and may utilize any of a number ofwireless data protocols, including but not limited to the well-known802.11 Ethernet standard.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a portable enclosure according to anembodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention maydiffer with respect to including fewer, more, and/or differingcomponents to provide similar and/or differing functionalities.

In FIG. 3, device 305 is provided in a self-contained portable enclosure300 and combines connection panel 310, a VoIP gateway 320, an access andsecurity module 330, a network router 340, a power distribution unit350, and a wireless local area network (LAN) component 390 into a singlepre-wired enclosure 300. The device 305 can be configured away from thelocation(s) at which it is later deployed. For example, at a serviceprovider's facility, such a device can be assembled with the one or morewire connections established to provide information and/or powerchannels between one or more of the connection panel 310, the VoIPgateway 320, the access and security module 330, the network router 340,the power distribution unit 350, and/or the wireless local area network(LAN) component 390 into a single pre-wired enclosure 300.

After being assembled at the service provider's facility, the enclosure300 can be transported, for example, in a vehicle such as car, van,truck, or airplane to an institution at which it is deployed. Theenclosure 300 may be carried and/or wheeled from the vehicle to the anappropriate location within the institution. Device 305 may be deployedat a location either internally or externally to an equipment room at aresidential institution. Device 305 may then be quickly and easilyattached to any appropriate residential institution connections. Forexample, the device 305 may be attached to a power source and one ormore local telephone devices at the residential institution.Transporting and deploying the device 305 may require significantly lesstime and effort than installing a permanent system of separatecomponents that are not pre-wired, not easily transported, and nototherwise configured to simplify connection with appropriate residentialinstitution devices.

In one embodiment, connectivity to one or more resident telephonehandsets 360 a-c is facilitated by connection panel 310. Residenttelephone handsets 360 a-c connect directly or indirectly to theconnection panel 310. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, resident telephonehandsets 360 a-b are analog or digital devices connected by connecting agateway 365 to the connection panel 310. The gateway 365 may convert theanalog phone signals to digital phone signals that are received by theconnection panel or vice versa. Resident telephone handsets mayadditionally or alternatively connect directly to the connection panel310 as illustrated by telephone handset 360 c connecting directly toconnection panel 310. One or more non-facility devices, such as testtelephone handset 360 d may additionally or alternatively be connectedto connection panel 310. However connected, ultimately telephonehandsets 360 a-d connect to the device 305 and through the device accesstelecommunications services provided by, monitored by, and/or controlledby remote call processing center 500. For example, device 360 a may calla third party 600.

Within the device 305, VoIP gateway 320 may be used to convert analogsignals to digital signals and/vice versa to facilitate suchcommunication. For example, if telephone handset 360 c is an analogdevice, VoIP gateway 320 may convert the analog signals coming fromhandset 360 c to digital signals for transmission to the remote callprocessing center 500 over one or more digital networks 400 andconversely may convert digital signals received from such one or moredigital networks 400 to analog signals to be provided back to handset360 c. VoIP gateway 320 can be wired (and is preferably prewired) toaccess and security module 330, connection panel 310, and/or any otherappropriate components of device 305 to communicate information signals.

The phrase “wired” as used herein refers to any temporary, removable,plug-based or non-plug-based, or non-temporary communication cables orother wire-based connection established between two or more components.“Wired” may refer to a connection by wires used to communicateinformation signals (digital or analog) and/or by wires used to providepower. Components that are “wired” together can be, but need not be,integrated into a single combined component.

The phrase “prewired” is used to refer to components wired prior totransport and/or deployment to a facility at which the components willfunction together as part of a device.

Network connectivity can involve any suitable communication mechanismand/or network type. Network router 340 can control and/or facilitatesuch network connectivity. Network router 340 can be wired (and ispreferably prewired) to connection panel 310, access and security module330, and/or any other appropriate components of device 305 tocommunicate information signals.

In one embodiment, connectivity to a wide area packet-based data networkvia network router 340 is facilitated by communications between awireless module 380 and remote wireless network communications tower(not shown) of the one or more networks 400. In another embodimentwire-based module 370 is used to connect via a wired connection to theone or more networks 400. In the example of FIG. 3, the wire-basedmodule 370 of device 305 is plugged into an existing facility networkconnection 375 by connecting a network wire between the two. The device305 may then use the residential institution's existing facility networkconnection 375 to access the one or more networks 400. Device 305 mayinclude only a wire-based module 370, only a wireless module 380, orboth a wire-based module 370 and a wireless module 380. For example,both a wire-based module 370 and a wireless module 380 may be includedto provide backup connectivity. If the wire-based connectivity is notavailable or fails, the wireless connectivity can be used as a backup.In one embodiment, an additional hardware-based network connection isfacilitated by a Category 5 compatible connection, and may be utilizedeither as a primary or as a secondary network connection.

Access and security module 330 can facilitate secure access to the callprocessing center 500, for example, by establishing and/or controlling avirtual private network (VPN) connection with the call processing center500. Access and security module 330 can be configured (and is preferablypreconfigured) to automatically establish a VPN connection to the callprocessing center 500 upon power being applied to the device 305. Accessand security module 330 can be wired (and is preferably prewired) tonetwork router 340 to communicate information signals. Access andsecurity module 330 can act as a firewall that acts as a barrierdesignated to prevent unauthorized or unwanted communications withdevice 305 from the one or more networks 400. The network router 340 canbe configured to pass all received network traffic through the accessand security module 330 to protect device 305 and any devices accessingnetworks 400 through device 305. Access and security module 330 can bewired (and is preferably prewired) to network router 340 and/or anyother appropriate components of device 305 to communicate informationsignals.

Wireless local area network (LAN) component 390 is included in device305 to provide connectivity to local wireless communication devices 495a-c. Exemplary devices include portable phones, tablet computer devices,laptop computer devices, desktop computer devices, server computerdevices, and any other devices configured to communicate via a LAN. Suchcommunication may use, for example, 802.11 communication protocol.Wireless LAN component 390 can be wired (and is preferably prewired) toaccess and security module 330 and/or any other appropriate componentsof device 305 to communicate information signals.

Power distribution unit 350 of device 305 may have a cord that extendsto plug into or otherwise connect to a facility power source 355. Powerdistribution unit 350 is wired (and is preferably prewired) to VoIPgateway 320, access and security module 330, network router 340,wireless LAN module 390, and/or to any other appropriate components ofdevice 305 to provide power to such components.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method 700 of using a portablesystem. Such a method 700 may be used to facilitate replacement of anexisting system, to address a network outage or other problem at afacility, to demonstrate the capabilities of a new or modified system,and in a variety of other circumstances.

The method 700, as shown in block 710, involves preconfiguring aportable device at a location remote from a controlled accessresidential institution, such as a prison, detention center, hospital,school, military base, office complex, etc. Preconfiguring the portabledevice may involve configuring the device to have a connection moduleconfigured to connect to a handset telephone or other electroniccommunication device via a wireless or wired connection, a networkrouter prewired to the connection module and configured to connect to aremote network, and an access and security module prewired to thenetwork router and configured to control access by the electroniccommunication device to services provided by accessing a remote callprocessing center via the remote network. Additional and/or alternativecomponents may be included and prewired including but not limited tocomponents illustrated in FIG. 3.

The method 700, as shown in block 720, further involves installing theportable device at the controlled access residential institution. Theportable device may be installed to allow a handset telephone or otherelectronic communication device at the controlled access residentialinstitution to access the services provided by accessing the remote callprocessing center via the remote network. Installing the portable deviceat the controlled access residential institution may involve connectingthe portable device via one or more wires to a power outlet, awire-based facility network connection, and/or to one or more handset orother electronic communication devices at the controlled accessresidential institution.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 800 of using a portablesystem while a non-portable system is being installed. Such a method 700may be used to facilitate replacement of an existing system and in avariety of other circumstances.

The method 800, as shown in block 810, involves preconfiguring aportable device at a location remote from a controlled accessresidential institution, such as a prison, detention center, hospital,school, military base, office complex, etc. Preconfiguring the portabledevice may involve configuring the device to have a connection moduleconfigured to connect to a handset telephone or other electroniccommunication device via a wireless or wired connection, a networkrouter prewired to the connection module and configured to connect to aremote network, and an access and security module prewired to thenetwork router and configured to control access by the electroniccommunication device to services provided by accessing a remote callprocessing center via the remote network. Additional and/or alternativecomponents may be included and prewired including but not limited tocomponents illustrated in FIG. 3.

The method 800, as shown in block 820, further involves installing theportable device at the controlled access residential institution. Theportable device may be installed to allow a handset telephone or otherelectronic communication device at the controlled access residentialinstitution to access the services provided by accessing the remote callprocessing center via the remote network.

The method 800, as shown in block 830, further involves, while theportable device is providing access, installing a non-portable device atthe controlled access residential institution. Installing thenon-portable device may involve installing the non-portable device toprovide access by one or more telephone handsets or other electroniccommunication devices at the controlled access residential institutionto the services provided remote call processing center via the remotenetwork.

The method 800, as shown in block 840, further involves removing theportable device from the controlled access residential institution.Thus, after installing the non-portable device, the portable device canbe relocated, as examples, back to a service provider facility or to adifferent controlled access residential institution.

The foregoing description and summary of the invention are to beunderstood as being in every respect illustrative and exemplary, but notrestrictive, and the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not tobe determined only from the detailed description of illustrativeembodiments but according to the full breadth permitted by the patentlaws. It is to be understood that the embodiments shown and describedherein are only illustrative of the principles of the present inventionand that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled inthe art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A device comprising: a connection panel configured toaccept a removable connection to multiple telephones of a controlledaccess residential institution; a network router connected to theconnection panel and configured to connect to a remote network; and anaccess and security module connected to the network router andconfigured to control access by the telephone to telephone servicesprovided by accessing a remote call processing center via the remotenetwork, wherein the access and security module is configured toestablish and control a virtual private network (VPN) connection withthe call processing center; and wherein the connection panel, thenetwork router, and access and security module are at least partiallyenclosed within a portable enclosure, wherein the device is configuredto be installed and connected without hard wiring and without mountingand to be relocated as a single unit, wherein the device is configuredfor: providing access by one or more electronic communication devices atthe controlled access residential institution to the services providedby accessing the remote call processing center via the remote networkwhile a non-portable device is installed to provide access by the one ormore electronic communication devices at the controlled accessresidential institution to the services provided by accessing the remotecall processing center via the remote network; and removal from thecontrolled access residential Institution after Installation of thenon-portable device.
 2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a powerdistribution unit within the enclosure and connected to provide power tothe network router and to the access and security module.
 3. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the power distribution unit comprises a power cordfor connecting to and receiving power from a power outlet at thecontrolled access residential institution.
 4. The device of claim 1wherein the portable enclosure comprises wheels for rolling theenclosure on underlying floor surfaces.
 5. The device of claim 1 whereinthe portable enclosure encloses the connection panel, the networkrouter, and access and security module within a space of equal to orless than 24 cubic feet.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the networkrouter is configured to connect wirelessly to the remote network.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the network router is configured to connect tothe remote network via a wired connection available at the controlledaccess residential institution.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein thenetwork router is configured to connect wirelessly to the remote networkand configured to connect to the remote network via a wired connectionavailable at the controlled access residential institution.
 9. Thedevice of claim 1 further comprising a voice over Internet protocol(VoIP) gateway for converting analog signals received from the telephoneof the controlled access residential institution.
 10. The device ofclaim 1 further comprising a wireless local area network component forwirelessly connecting to a wireless communication device at thecontrolled access residential institution to allow the wirelesscommunication device to access resources on the network subject tocontrol by the remote call processing center.
 11. The device of claim 1wherein the telephone services provided by accessing the remote callprocessing center via the remote network comprise connecting andmonitoring a call between the telephone at the controlled accessresidential institution and a telephone at a remote location.
 12. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the telephone services provided by accessingthe remote call processing center via the remote network compriseauthenticating a called party before or during a call between thetelephone at the controlled access residential institution and atelephone at a remote location.
 13. The device of claim 1 wherein theaccess and security module is a firewall.
 14. A method comprising:preconfiguring a portable device at a location remote from a controlledaccess residential institution, wherein the preconfigured portabledevice comprises: a connection module configured to connect to anelectronic communication device via a wireless or wired connection; anetwork router prewired to the connection module and configured toconnect to a remote network; and an access and security module prewiredto the network router and configured to control access by the electroniccommunication device to services provided by accessing a remote callprocessing center via the remote network, wherein the access andsecurity module is configured to establish and control a virtual privatenetwork (VPN) connection with the call processing center; installing theportable device at the controlled access residential institution toallow the electronic communication device at the controlled accessresidential institution to access the services provided by accessing theremote call processing center via the remote network, wherein the deviceis installed and connected without hard wiring and without mounting, thedevice capable of being relocated as a single unit; and while theportable device is providing access by one or more electroniccommunication devices at the controlled access residential institutionto the services provided by accessing the remote call processing centervia the remote network, installing a non-portable device configured toprovide access by the one or more electronic communication devices atthe controlled access residential institution to the services providedby accessing the remote call processing center via the remote network;and removing the portable device from the controlled access residentialinstitution after installing the non-portable device.
 15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein installing the portable device at the controlled accessresidential institution comprises connecting the portable device to apower outlet at the controlled access residential institution.
 16. Adevice comprising: a connection module configured to connect to anelectronic communication device via a wireless or wired connection; anetwork router prewired to the connection module and configured toconnect to a remote network; an access and security module prewired tothe network router and configured to control access by the electroniccommunication device to services provided by accessing a remote callprocessing center via the remote network, wherein the access andsecurity module is configured to establish and control a virtual privatenetwork (VPN) connection with the call processing center; and a powerdistribution unit prewired to provide power to the network router and tothe access and security module; wherein the connection panel, thenetwork router, access and security module, and power distribution unitare at least partially enclosed within a portable enclosure, wherein thedevice is configured to be installed and connected without hard wiringand without mounting and to be relocated as a single unit; and whereinthe device is configured for: providing access by one or more electroniccommunication devices at the controlled access residential institutionto the services provided by accessing the remote call processing centervia the remote network while a non-portable device is installed toprovide access by the one or more electronic communication devices atthe controlled access residential institution to the services providedby accessing the remote call processing center via the remote network;and removal from the controlled access residential institution afterinstallation of the non-portable device.
 17. The device of claim 16wherein the power distribution unit comprises a power cord forconnecting to and receiving power from a power outlet at the controlledaccess residential institution.
 18. The device of claim 16 wherein theportable enclosure comprises wheels for rolling the enclosure onunderlying floor surfaces.
 19. The device of claim 16 wherein thenetwork router is configured to connect wirelessly to the remotenetwork.